SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – Saturday night time marked the tip of an period, because the Clay Excessive College boys basketball crew performed its remaining sport at school historical past.
Final spring, the South Bend College Board authorised plans to close Clay High School as a part of a consolidation plan for Michiana’s largest faculty district. The college is about to shut on the finish of this educational 12 months.
The Colonials have been seeking to hold their season alive and win a sectional title on Saturday night time at Washington Excessive College, however they have been outmatched by the Saint Joseph Huskies 81-47.
Whereas that is the final time the Colonial student-athletes will lace up their basketball sneakers, it’s the reminiscence of this season and the college’s historical past that can stay on without end.
“Clearly, a little bit bittersweet proper now,” stated Al Hartman, athletic director at Clay Excessive College. “We simply had an alumni sport a few weeks in the past and bought to see everyone, however there’s a number of emotion and a number of proud individuals to be Colonials.”
Hartman has been the athletic director at Clay for eight years, however has been concerned with the college for over 30 years. He is aware of the impression that the college has dropped at South Bend and Clay Township.
“I believe there’s been a love for purple and gold for a very long time,” Hartman stated. “The north aspect is fairly proud; I believe that’s why you’ve seen lots of people complaining. There’s a number of proud individuals up there that love Clay Excessive College and what it got here to characterize.”
And that impression goes for the scholars of Clay, each previous and current — a lot of whom have been in attendance for Saturday night time’s sectional championship sport.
“There shall be tears, we’re sisters however undoubtedly Clay alum,” stated Jane, a Clay fan in attendance. “It’s bittersweet. However even with Clay closing, we’re nonetheless going to be a household, so we’re going to be getting collectively and honor this faculty and this group.”
Whereas the season didn’t finish how the followers or student-athletes would possibly’ve wished, there’s nothing higher for this Colonial household than representing their faculty.
“This crew has cemented themselves in Clay lore,” Jane stated. “Some children selected to switch final 12 months after they heard Clay was closing, these children are sticking it out between the boys’ and women’ sports activities. We’re so extremely pleased with them for representing our college and our group yet another time.”
The Colonials ended their final season with a 13-11 file.
Copyright 2024 WNDU. All rights reserved.
Information
Occasions
Occasions
Holidays
Neighborhood
Neighborhood
Occasions
Enterprise
Neighborhood
Neighborhood
